My poor baby...

[Craiga 01453]

Thanks for the pep talk. I am set on doing what's right for him and I do understand long term care for pets. I have a cat that is almost 17 years old and I am the only owner of her. Picked her out of the litter before her eyes were even open. I'm a firm believer is when an animal comes into my home, they don't leave until it's time for them to meet their maker. Unless re-homing is what's best for them because I'm screwing up so badly. I have never up to this point had to re-home an animal. I do agree with you on wanting another sooner rather than later, but not until I can get things worked out with him. He is very addicting for me and I believe it's because I find no so darn cute. I know I sound crazy now. Lol. Thank you again for the words of advice and the pep talk. Is there a snake breed out there you can handle more often than the balls?? Something just as pretty to look at.


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My pleasure, that's what we're her for, to help...
I have no doubt, based on everything I've read in this thread, that you will figure it out and provide a fantastic life-long home for your snake. You don't sound crazy at all, just excited. Who can blame you? You've got an awesome new animal at home!! We all still get excited to bring a new snake home, that's why you see people proudly posting pics of their new snakes, even if they already have/have had several, dozens, even hundreds of snakes. It's exciting because we are passionate about the animals we choose to keep, and your passion is showing in your excitement. Unfortunately, the snakes don't share that excitement and just want to be left alone to adjust, learn how to survive and not be eaten. All they know is how to survive=eat and don't be eaten. They hide to avoid being eaten, and until they are adjusted and feel safe in their enclosure, EVERYTHING is a threat that is trying to eat them, including us. They will soon realize that we are not a threat and develop a trust, but first they must feel comfortable in their enclosure. So be patient, I know its hard, but it is what's best for the animal, and in time will benefit you as well. You will be able to handle your snake regularly while maintaining a safe, healthy environment. As far as snakes that can be handled more, I really don't know if there are any that are easier to handle and tolerate handling better than BPs, maybe somebody else might know more, but I personally don't. I also have an adult Cali King and two juvenile Corn snakes and absolutely love them as well. Both come in beautiful morphs and their husbandry requirements are more forgiving than BPs. They are longer, more narrow snakes and tend to be more curious and on-the-go while being handled, but should definitely be given the same time to adjust as well as handling limitations. My King will often be out for an hour or so at a time, but he's also had plenty of time with me, has proper husbandry and eats like a champ, so he is well adjusted. My BP is still a juvenile (approx. 22 inches and 188 grams as of a few days ago) and has been with me since mid January. I usually handle him daily for about 15-20 minutes, sometimes longer, at a time. He is doing extremely well, eating like a horse and growing like a weed. I'm actually expecting him to shed today and hoping to get some nice new pictures of his fresh-shed beauty.
Anyway, keep doing what you're doing as far as questioning, learning and applying. I have faith in you and truly believe your snake is in a great home. We are all rooting for you and here when you need us.

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for the pep talk. I am set on doing what's right for him and I do understand long term care for pets. I have a cat that is almost 17 years old and I am the only owner of her. Picked her out of the litter before her eyes were even open. I'm a firm believer is when an animal comes into my home, they don't leave until it's time for them to meet their maker. Unless re-homing is what's best for them because I'm screwing up so badly. I have never up to this point had to re-home an animal. I do agree with you on wanting another sooner rather than later, but not until I can get things worked out with him. He is very addicting for me and I believe it's because I find no so darn cute. I know I sound crazy now. Lol. Thank you again for the words of advice and the pep talk. Is there a snake breed out there you can handle more often than the balls?? Something just as pretty to look at.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My pleasure, that's what we're her for, to help...
I have no doubt, based on everything I've read in this thread, that you will figure it out and provide a fantastic life-long home for your snake. You don't sound crazy at all, just excited. Who can blame you? You've got an awesome new animal at home!! We all still get excited to bring a new snake home, that's why you see people proudly posting pics of their new snakes, even if they already have/have had several, dozens, even hundreds of snakes. It's exciting because we are passionate about the animals we choose to keep, and your passion is showing in your excitement. Unfortunately, the snakes don't share that excitement and just want to be left alone to adjust, learn how to survive and not be eaten. All they know is how to survive=eat and don't be eaten. They hide to avoid being eaten, and until they are adjusted and feel safe in their enclosure, EVERYTHING is a threat that is trying to eat them, including us. They will soon realize that we are not a threat and develop a trust, but first they must feel comfortable in their enclosure. So be patient, I know its hard, but it is what's best for the animal, and in time will benefit you as well. You will be able to handle your snake regularly while maintaining a safe, healthy environment. As far as snakes that can be handled more, I really don't know if there are any that are easier to handle and tolerate handling better than BPs, maybe somebody else might know more, but I personally don't. I also have an adult Cali King and two juvenile Corn snakes and absolutely love them as well. Both come in beautiful morphs and their husbandry requirements are more forgiving than BPs. They are longer, more narrow snakes and tend to be more curious and on-the-go while being handled, but should definitely be given the same time to adjust as well as handling limitations. My King will often be out for an hour or so at a time, but he's also had plenty of time with me, has proper husbandry and eats like a champ, so he is well adjusted. My BP is still a juvenile (approx. 22 inches and 188 grams as of a few days ago) and has been with me since mid January. I usually handle him daily for about 15-20 minutes, sometimes longer, at a time. He is doing extremely well, eating like a horse and growing like a weed. I'm actually expecting him to shed today and hoping to get some nice new pictures of his fresh-shed beauty.
Anyway, keep doing what you're doing as far as questioning, learning and applying. I have faith in you and truly believe your snake is in a great home. We are all rooting for you and here when you need us.